Need Parts? Click here to go directly to the "Parts Department"
"This week, I've listened to a number of amps that are staggering in price. Beyond staggering, an extra zero after staggering
and I honestly believe that the Citation blows them all away. Couple that with the fact that you can run a passive with the
Citation, you get a $10k handicap to start! If you are in the market for an amp, talk to Jim McShane."
"... a cable competitor, (name removed to protect the innocent and
guilty), came by on a scouting mission. His interconnects start
at about 6 times what our line tops out at, but he was very interested
in our design and wanted a good listen. We played "freedom
in the groove" for him and he said "this sounds very nice" and I started talking about the bang-for-the-buck factor with the $2k
(McShane/Citation II) amp and $1k speakers and he stopped me mid sentence. "It sounds very nice at any price" he interrupted."
"...we had this one guy who was very combative and challenging in his disbelief that a thin wire could transmit sound..."
(Jim McShane's note: This quote is from a small cable maker that made
some very unique, very low capacitance cables that use small
gauge wire in their construction, ideal for passive boxes) "and was even more dismissive when he saw the Citation amp... I'm
not the tactful salesman that my partner seems to be... Paul begs him to come in for a listen and we queue up some of the new
Van Morrison. His jaw drops. He listens for a few minutes and then gets up and starts looking at our speakers for the "black
magic"... Thanks Jim, your secret is safe with us. We'll take all the credit for you. "
"Dear Jim,
Just wanted to thank you for helping me make such an intelligent
choice. Don's amp is simply breathtakingly good. I now understand
what all the hoopla was about. There's no getting used to it,
everything else pales by comparison. Brilliant work on the upgrades,
construction and design. I'm very happy. Just runs a bit warm.
Dario" (from January 2011)
"I am past due in my thanks at the outcome of your much appreciated labor. This is without a doubt the finest amp I have
ever had in my system and perhaps the best I have ever heard! "Awsome" comes to mind."
"VERY nice sounding. This is a very detailed amp. I put on one of the 192Khz DVD-A's of Mozart... very beautiful full
sound, very natural, with very detailed highs, with no harshness at all. Hearing this amp reminds me of when I heard
DVD-A in my system for the first time - has the highs and details with more fullness and without the little bit of shrillness
of the CDs I own that have good detail up top. Wife agrees about that... Instruments seem to *really* be separable,
which I really like! I kind of expected it to be detailed, but it doesn't sound harsh at all. I halfway expected it to have a
sort of harsh sound to it in the stock configuration, not so at all I think."
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The Citation kits have been developed during my many years of work on
the Citation series amps. The parts used are very high quality,
and don't require butchering of the amps to install them. The
installation requires wiring and schematic reading skills, so these
aren't for
the DIY beginner. As well, high (potentially lethal!) voltages are
present in these amplifiers, so extra care and caution is required!
The kits ARE a convenient way to significantly improve the reliability and performance of these wonderful vintage amps.
For the Citation II Power Supply
1. (2) 820 uf 250 volt 105 degree Celsius very low ESR clamp mount caps that increase the capacitance from
100 uf total in the doubler to 410 uf. (2) clamps are included.
2. (4) Vishay fast/soft recovery diodes that replace the existing top hat diodes. They fit nicely in the fuse holder
right where the old top hats are now. The GI diodes are very good, and quite reasonably priced too. If you
increase the capacitance, you really need to replace those diodes. And the DO-41 packaging is ideal for replacement.
3. (1) JJ 100/100 dual section 500 volt clamp mount cap, and...
3a. (1) Nichicon 220 uf/500 volt clamp mount cap. The Nichicon replaces the 40 uf 525 volt original twistlock,
and the JJ replaces the dual 50/50 V1/V4 decoupling cap. (2) clamps are included.
Note: This amp responds very well to improved decoupling of the input 12BY7A tubes!
4. (1) .01uf high voltage film cap to replace the existing ceramic unit.
5. (1) Vishay fast/soft recovery diode to replace the bias selenium rectifier
6. (1 ea.) 220uf and 100 uf radial electrolytics, a new 1.8K ohm resistor, and a terminal strip for the bias circuitry.
Two new 4.7K ohm resistors to increase the range of bias adjustment.
7. A copy of the schematic, and kit installation notes and diagrams.
You end up with 630 uf (vs. 140 uf stock) of high quality capacitance for the B+, and twice the decoupling
capacitance. It does require some rewiring, and you will need to install clamps to mount the caps that replace the
old twistlocks, so you do need to have some skill. Some mounting hole reworking/ drilling is required, but the caps
mount on the original bracket!
The kit of all the parts above for Citation II is $99.95 plus shipping (additional charges for shipping outside the USA).
Upgrade the Citation II power supply further with Level II or Level II Plus modifications!
(1) 50uf/50uf F&T German made dual section cap, to be added in parallel with the new C2a & C2b. This raises
the decoupling capacitance from 50uf/channel stock to 150uf/channel. This amp loves more decoupling capacitance!
It installs in the vacant hole left by the old bias supply dual section can. An additional mounting clamp is included.
(2) .1uf/630 volt polypropylene film caps for local (on the terminal board) V1/V4 decoupling.
(1) Surge limiter kit (recommended with the larger low ESR caps)
(1) additional 100uf/100 volt Nichicon Muse KZ cap to further beef up the bias supply
(1) 6 amp fuse to replace the 8 amp stock fuse. With the limiters, the 6 amp fuse offers better protection.
(2') 18 ga. Teflon wire, for the revised speaker "G" terminal grounding scheme. A big help!
These items CAN be added to your amp even if you've already installed the original kit. The Level II upgrade was
designed after listening carefully to customer feedback, and applying some of the other "tricks" I've learned in 20+
years of work on Citation tube amps. The best part is that the Level II package is now $49.50. The kit comes
with an installation guide to help you put it together, and of course e-mail support is always just a click away!
Oh, and as always, nothing in this package prevents you from returning an amp to its original condition if you ever
wish to! All my kits are "chassis friendly", and faithful to the original Citation philosophy.
Here's a couple "mini-reviews" from Level II Kit installers/owners (my notes in black):
"...there is somthing about the harmonic balance and sonic structure of the McShane Citation that
seems to tower over everything else." Michael Samra, from a 10/24/05 post on the Audio Asylum.
"I installed the kit last week and have had a chance to do some listening. Although the change in sound quality
is not as great in magnitude as the initial (power supply & cap kits) upgrade, I feel the Level II kit is definitely
a worthwhile mod. The tonal signature and sonic accuracy of the amp did not change, but what I did find
was an increase in front to back soundstage depth. The soundstage now takes on a slightly forward as well
as deeper image. I did note on one CD, Kenny Burrell's Midnight Blue, the guitar seemed to appear about a
foot or two in front of my speakers, whereas it previously sounded evenly between the two. The amp also
seems to have increased dynamics and transient response, it is now effortless. I listened to my modded Dynaco
ST70 while working on the Cit. II and it sounded very laid back in comparison, although I guess it's not much
of a comparison (sorry Dyna guys!)!! My speakers (homebuilt Swan) seem to respond extremely well to each
mod, I've never heard them sound better." Pete Hajna, USA
"Just to let you know, I've listened to many amps, preamps, too many to list, and my favorite is still the
Citation II I rebuilt with your kits. It's the same one you pictured on your parts page. It's full of magic for real!"
Steve Geiger, almost one year after installing the Level II kit.
Thanks a lot guys! Enjoy the great music from your amps...
Channel separation is utterly breathtaking, imaging somehow is even better than Level II, and the quiet "black"
background is even quieter and "blacker" with these improvements. Subtle details are clearer than ever, yet the amp
retains the delicate balance between detail and the natural tube sound that was designed into the Citation series.
As always, these upgrades never require chassis drilling (there is one added hole in the cap bracket) and are totally
reversible if you so desire.
Level II Plus can be installed with a basic power supply kit, or it can be added to a Level II installation already
present in the amp. The kits include the parts you need and an installation notes document, with many new photos
added for clarity. It took a while, but I have a new product for the Cit II I'm really proud of - people who have
heard it are simply amazed by the performance!
A Level II Plus kit that includes both the Level II and Level II plus parts is just $119.50! An add on
package designed convert a Level II amp into a Level II Plus is just $68.50. The conversion kit contains
all the needed "Plus" parts and the new documentation - it does not include any basic or Level II parts
or instructions. Do note that the earlier Level II upgrade is still available for $49.50, so if your skills
aren't up to "Plus" just yet you can still dramatically improve your amp - then go "Plus" down the road!.
"This is the best sounding 240 I have ever heard thanks to your upgrades..I did the exact power supply scheme of the Citation 2
and I added decoupling capacitance per your reccomendation and I will tell you that made the biggest difference ever... I also
did the ground scheme as you toot so much..I do your upgrade to most all of my tube amps... as you know I have many but I love
the parts you carry... The muse caps and the panasonic doublers are the F&T combined with a jj dual 50 (note: now using F&T)
is a perfect balance and the amp has mids and highs much like the citation 2...
Need more details? Contact Mike directly at merccougar89@gmail.com. He can fill you in on just what to order. Hint - Mike says
Eico amps sound great with these parts too!!
Re-Cap Kits...
I have 2 kits available. The improved kit 2-A is a coupling cap only kit that includes all the caps you need to replace
the coupling caps in your Citation II. It includes:
(4) .22uf 600 volt polypropylene film and foil coupling caps with copper leads
(4) .47uf 630 volt polypropylene film coupling caps
(2) 4.7uf 630 volt polypropylene screen bypass caps (replaces the stock 4uf electrolytic)
This 10 piece kit is priced at only $54.50! If you want premium
"audiophile" caps, please ask. The cap supply is unstable right now,
so I'll give you the latest pricing and contents on request.
Kit 2-S has all the hard to round up small value caps! So even if you'd like to use your choice of premium audiophile
coupling caps, you can still get all the small value pieces in one easy
to find kit. All are 5% or tighter tolerance. Believe me,
these little suckers are a bear to track down! This kit includes:
(2) .039uf 400 volt polypropylene caps with copper leads for the output network
(2) .001uf AudioCap premium polystyrene caps with copper leads
(4) 20pf 500 volt silver mica caps
(2) 150pf 500 volt silver mica caps
(4) 5pf 500 volt silver mica caps
The small value cap kit is only $26.50
Purchase both cap kits for $79.50. Add the basic power supply kit and the total is only $179.50
plus shipping (additional for Level II or Level II Plus upgrades).
All the caps in both kits are high quality parts from major manufacturers, and have passed my listening tests.
Don't let the low price fool you! The sound quality of these caps in your Citation II is outstanding!
Some important cap news! Not long ago one of my customers decided to try the Jupiter beeswax capacitors in
his Citation II. One failed after an hour or so, and a second one was physically deformed. Keep in mind that
caps for Cit IIs must be able to take the heat, which is especially high on earlier models. It would appear
the Jupiters can't, so I recommend they not be used in Citation tube products. The caps I provide will stand
up to the heat and voltage, so please use my kit if you redo yours.
For the Citation V Power Supply
1. (2) 820 uf 250 volt 105 degree Celsius very low ESR clamp mount caps that increase the capacitance from 100 uf total
in the doubler to 410 uf. (2) clamps are included.
2. (4) Vishay fast/soft recovery diodes that replace the existing top hat diodes. They fit nicely in the
fuse/diode
holder right where the old top hats are now. The GI diodes are very good, and quite reasonably priced too.
If you increase the capacitance, you really need to replace those diodes.
3. (1) JJ 100/100 dual section 500 volt clamp mount clamp mount cap that is used for C3A & B, and (1) 100 uf 500 volt
low ESR electrolytic cap and mounting clamp that is now used for C3C. (2) clamps and rubber bushings are included.
4. (1) .01uf high voltage film cap to replace the existing ceramic unit.
5. New 180 and 390 ohm metal oxide, and (1) 270 ohm wirewound dropping resistors for the B+ supply
6. (1) Vishay fast/soft recovery diode to replace the selenium rectifier
7. (2) new radial electros (220 uf and 100uf), a new 1.2K ohm 3 watt resistor, a new 47K load resistor, and a
terminal strip for the bias circuitry you removed to make room for the new caps.
8. A copy of the schematic, and kit installation notes.
You end up with 710 uf (vs. 250 uf stock) of high quality capacitance and much better reliability. It does require a
bit of rewiring, and you will need to install clamps to mount the caps that replace the old twistlocks, so you do need
to have some skill. But it's worth it. No hole drilling is required at all!
The kit of all the parts above for Cit V is $99.50 plus shipping (additional charges for shipping outside the USA).
Want to upgrade further? For an additional $29.50, I can supply a 10 henry 100 ma. 195 ohm DC resistance choke
that is used (with a resistor) in place of the 270 ohm 10 watt dropping resistor. It greatly improves the screen supply.
The choke mounts where the old dual section bias cap used to go. One new hole in the mounting bracket is required
for the choke.
Re-Cap Kits...
Like for Cit II, I have 2 kits available for Cit V. Kit 5-A is a coupling cap only kit that includes all the caps you need to
replace (and improve!)the coupling caps in your Citation V. It includes:
(2) .47uf 400 volt K40Y oil caps for the phase splitter grids
(6) .47uf 630 volt polypropylene coupling caps for output coupling and screen bypass
(2) .1 630 volt polypropylene film caps to use along with the .47 screen bypass caps. This gives you a
total of about .57 uf screen bypass, and the result is a very nice improvement.
This 10 piece kit is priced at only $44.95!
Kit 5-S has the harder to find small value caps! So even if you'd like to use your choice of premium audiophile
coupling caps, you can still get all the small value pieces in one easy to find kit. All are 5% or tighter tolerance.
This kit includes:
(2) 430pf 500 volt silver mica caps Note: Some Cit Vs were made with a 220 pf cap in this position, please
advise when ordering
(2) 100pf 50 volt polypropylene caps for the NFB loop
The small value cap kit is only $9.50
Special! Purchase both Cit V kits together for only $49.95
All the caps in both kits are high quality parts from major manufacturers, and have passed my listening tests.
Don't let the low price fool you! The sound quality of these caps in your Citation V is outstanding.
"...Finally got the amp running. Sounds great! It was well worth the wait. It is amongst my favorite
amps and second to none. I feel you did a great job. I am listening in triode (my favorite as well as yours)..."
Paul S., New York, commenting on the all-triode Citation II I built for him.
"...I'm only telling you this because I hooked it (preamp) up today to the Citation II I overhauled with your kit.
It's running in triode mode (thanks to your directions). Also running Yugo KT90's. I've been listening for hours!
I've never heard anything sound so good. Hifi has a whole new meaning." Steve Geiger, USA
"The kit is great and I can't think of any improvements right now... I think the CIT V sounds better than
my MC225 now. I like it a lot." Ken Kawamura, USA
"I bought a Cit. V from Jim McShane which he had carefully rebuilt, and it sounds so good, and is
built so well, that I've sent my other Cit. to him for rebuild. He is extremely knowledgable and helpful with
questions." Ted Matsumura
Ted's comments on the second amp - "I received and setup the amp. Have listened to about 5 CD's through it
so far. It is terrific!! The mid-range resolution is just outstanding!! Wow, I think this may sound better than my
Cit II!! I just love this amp. The amp is magic!"
"I have just finished recapping my entire Citation II with your Level II power supply kit and coupling (cap) kit.
I also performed your suggested modifications. This amp will turn any McIntosh to dust...After testing the old
caps in the amp I have come to the conclusion that after 40 years about 50 percent of them are questionable. The
truth of their condition is in the listening after finishing the amp. I don't want to turn it off, and look forward to
every minute I get to listen to it." Michael T. Anthony, Electronic Technician and Audio Enthusiast
"... thanks so much for your help. Everything looks great and sounds great... Thanks again. I'll order another kit
when I rebuild the other one (Cit II) I've got." Spencer Chrislu, from the Warner Bros. DVD-A group.
"Well, I got the kit installed without a hitch... I've put about five hours of listening on it so far and it sounds great...
I just wanted to say thanks for your help and your kit... It definitely sounds better - I seem to be drawing the right
amount of current again and it sounds very good - there is a bit less hum too - I have to put my ear up to the speaker
to really hear it when there is no music being played. Thanks for the great kit - everything went right into place and it
looks very good." Dave Ruhle, Cit V owner
Turn-On Surge Limiter Kit for Citation II and V Amps
These kits are very simple and easy to install. They feature quality components, and reduce the B+ surge that can stress
the amp and the tubes. While not as effective as complicated time-delay circuitry, the kit fits and installs easily (a 1/2 hour
job), and is effective in its task. The kit consists of:
(2) Inrush curent limiters, selected specifically for use in the Citations
(1) Terminal strip for mounting the limiters
Insulating Teflon tubing for the leads
(1) 6 amp fuse to replace the stock 8 amp value (better protection!)
Installation instructions and a power supply schematic
The price for the kit is only $9.75. It's a nice add-on if you're redoing your power supply with one of the upgrade
kits above. See the Citation Modifications Page for more details.
Replacement Meter Kits for Citation V!
Finally, Citation V owners can replace their damaged, missing, or non-working meters! The new meter face is not
identical to the original, but it fits perfectly in the stock opening (no cutting!), and looks great. It is supplied with a kit
of small parts needed to make the meter work its best, and reports so far indicate this meter setup actually works
better than stock. It's easy to install, in less than an hour you'll
have a great looking meter in place. The 4 piece kit is only
$19.50 (plus shipping), and includes all the parts you need and clear instructions. Sorry, this kit will not work in the
Citation II! :-(
From a Citation V owner: "I received your meter (kit) today in the mail. It appears to be a better looking meter
than the original."
A total recap of a Citation I is a very difficult, time consuming, expensive task. There are 102 caps in a Citation I,
not counting the power supply cans! I've also found that many of the caps you work so hard to replace have no effect
on the sound quality. Many are even switched out of the circuit in normal use! I don't recommend you do a total recap
unless you're a glutton for punishment, and qualify for Federal aid to finance your project.
So what can you do? Well, I've tried to isolate the key circuitry, and focus attention on the caps that make the biggest
difference in your preamp. The result is a pair of affordable, high quality kits of caps for the Citation I (I've just added
four new caps to the 1-CL kit to better service the anode followers). All the caps in both kits (except micas) are film
and foil, and most have oxygen free copper leads. And they sound great!
Kit 1-CP recaps the phono section, and it includes:
(6) .47uf 63 or 100 volt film caps to replace the original ceramic disc (yecch!) coupling caps
(8) .1uf 630 volt polypropylene caps to replace the remaining coupling caps in the phono stage.
(4) .001uf 50 volt (or higher) polypropylene film caps for cathode resistor bypass
(4) .047uf 50 volt (or higher) polypropylene film caps for cathode resistor bypass
(2 ea.) 5 pf and 3 pf mica caps that get paralleled to replace the 6.8pf feedback caps
(2) .22uf 200 volt (or higher) polypropylene caps to replace the remaining feedback caps
The kit also includes a schematic diagram, and an easy to use listing of which caps are replaced, and their exact
terminal board location (there's a billion of them in there!).
The total price for Kit 1-CP is only $77.50! It's a very affordable tune-up for the phono stage.
Don't listen to vinyl? Then skip the phono stage and recap the line stage. It's easy to do, and yields great results.
Kit 1-CL recaps the line stage, and it includes:
(10) .1uf 630 volt polypropylene film caps to replace the coupling caps.
(6) .047uf 50 volt (or higher) polypropylene film caps for cathode resistor bypass, bass circuits, & NFB circuits
(2) 15 pf mica phase corection caps
(4) 5pf micas to replace the anode follower and step circuit 4.7pf caps.
This kit also includes a schematic diagram, an easy to use listing of which caps are replaced, and their exact
terminal board location (like the phono kit).
Total price for Kit 1-CL is only $55.50! It's the most cost effective improvement you can make (except tubes)
to your Cit I, and installation only takes about 2 hours.
Purchase both kits for just $124.50, and save $$!
The results from kit installation is a Citation I with better detail and a very balanced, smooth sound. Without
taking out a second mortgage on the house!
(2) 560 uf/400 volt 105 C very low ESR snap-mount caps
(2) clamps for above
(2) 1 5/8" hex male/female threaded spacers
(2 ea.) 6-32 x 1/4 screws, nuts, flat washers, and (4) lock washers for use with spacers
(2) 50uf/50uf @ 500 volt F&T German made filter caps
(1) 15,000 uf 35 volt filter cap for the tube heater supply
(3) capacitor mounting clamps for above 3 caps
(1) .01uf/1600 volt film cap (replaces original C102)
(6) Vishay fast/soft recovery 1000 volt 3 amp rated diodes
(2) 3.6 ohm 3 watt resistors
(1) 2.2 Kohm 5 watt resistor (replaces original R151)
(1) 10 Kohm 2 watt resistor (replaces original R152)
(1) 47 Kohm 2 watt resistor (replaces original R153)
(2) .01 630 volt polypropylene film bypass caps
(1) terminal strip (can be cut into two parts to replace originals if necessary)
(2) 6" teflon wire pieces, one black, one red
Note: Larger wattage resistors than stated may be substituted on occasion.
The kit also includes great support files; a copy of the original Harman-Kardon power supply schematic and voltage/resistance
charts, a simple but helpful cap location drawing, and four pages of tips and notes designed to make this job as easy
as possible (despite that help, it's still not an easy "first kit"). New! Now also included - the big schematic and a
series of .jpg photos designed to make your installation job much easier!
The value in this kit is outstanding (if I may be so bold!). Many hours of development and study went into a product
you can count on, yet at an affordable price. Plus, installation only takes about 4-5 hours! The price for a single kit
is only $119.95, and they are in stock and available!
(6) 220 uf 10 volt Elna Cerafine caps to replace the horrible 200 uf 3 volt coupling and feedback caps
(6) .1 uf 630 volt polypropylene film caps
(6) .47 uf 630 volt polypropylene film/foil caps
(2) 2.0 or 2.2 uf 250 volt polypropylene film caps
(2) 5 pf & 3 pf silver mica caps (to replace a 7.5 pf cap)
(2) 100 pf 630 volt (or higher) polystyrene film/foil caps
(2) 330 pf 50 volt (or higher) polypropylene film/foil caps
(2) 33 pf 500 volt silver mica caps
(2) 47 pf 630 volt polystyrene film/foil caps
(2) .0022 50 volt or higher PPS film/foil caps
The kit also includes a copy of the schematic diagram and a very helpful guide to help you locate the caps that
will be replaced with the kit caps.
The kit price is just $79.50. Add $19.50 for a set of selector switch caps (8 caps) if you want to replace them as well.
Power supply rebuild kit for Citation IV! 3/24 update: A kit version of this is now available - the kit includes full
wave rectification for the B+ and the heaters while eliminating the two selenium rectifiers, replacing the two
triple section caps, new power supply resistors, upgraded caps for the heaters and more. The kit price is $94.50
and they are available now. Be aware that this is a more complex kit and demands a higher level of skill than my
other kits, so i recommend you contact me and get more details before you make the purchase.
**More selected parts for rebuilding/restoring Citations (watch this section...some great stuff is coming soon!)
I stock a good variety of the excellent Russian NOS K40 (or K40Y, same thing) paper-in-oil capacitors. Most are 400 and
630 volt rated with a few 200 volt and 1000 volt caps on hand as well. Matching is no problem, add $1.00 per cap.
Note: I am sold out of .22 and .47 uf 630 volt values.
I also carry high temperature silicone-ring dampers that fit many of the K40s, and often these eliminate the need to heat shrink
insulate them. As well, the rings damp the metal bodies, reducing
vibrations. Drop me a note for current availability and pricing.
I have recently received a few NOS US made PIO caps, I'll post them as soon as possible, there's only a small number but some nice caps!
IC MPW Series polypropylene - axial lead 105 C rated metalized polypropylenes, nice long tinned copper leads.
630 Volt
.022 uf - $1.00 ea.
.047 uf - $1.25 ea.
.1 uf - $1.35 ea.
.22 uf - $1.75 ea.
.47 uf - $2.35 ea.
Matching available on above - add $1.00 per pair (matched to each other, not to nominal value)
NOS Matsushita polypropylene film and foil, OFC copper leads, hard epoxy case. Superb caps for very little money!
Now out of production, limited stock available:
250 Volt:
These NOS caps do have copper leads, but are metalized film - .47 uf/250 volt - $3.50 ea.
400 volt:
.033 uf - $1.00 ea.
.039 uf - $2.00 ea.
.047 uf - $2.50 ea. (good stock on hand)
.056 uf - $1.75 ea.
.1 uf - $2.50 ea. Sorry, sold out. Replaced by Nichicon 630 volt polypropylene below.
.22 uf - $3.50 ea. Sorry, sold out. Replaced by Nichicon 630 volt polypropylene, $1.95 ea.
.33 uf - $3.00 ea.
.47 uf - $3.25 ea. Sorry, sold out. Use the 716P below.
630 volt
.001 uf (1000 pf) - $1.50 ea.
.1 uf - $2.75 ea. Sorry, sold out. Replaced by Nichicon polypropylene, $2.00 ea.
Matching available on above - add $1.00 per pair (matched to each other, not to nominal value)
SBE (Vishay/Sprague) Orange Drop 716P - polypropylene film and foil, copper leads.
Remember, not all "Orange Drops" are the same. Only the 716P series has both
film and foil polypropylene construction and tinned copper leads. Other "Orange
Drops" have steel leads, or are polyester dielectric. When somebody says "Orange
Drops are no good" they are likely referring to other lines than the excellent 716P!
.47 uf - 400 volt - $3.50 ea.
.022 uf - 600 volt - $2.00 ea.
.047 uf - 600 volt - $2.25 ea.
.1 uf - 600 volt - $3.00 ea.
.22 uf - 600 volt - $3.75 ea.
Matching available on above - add $1.00 per pair (matched to each other, not to nominal value)
220 uf 500 volt Nichicon, 105 C rated low ESR caps. Ideal for tube preamp and amp filtering duty;
about 1 3/8" diameter and 1 1/2" tall, uses a standard clamp to mount it, $9.75 ea.
820 uf 250 volt CDE 105 C rated very low ESR caps. They are ideal for voltage doubler use in many
vintage amps. About 1 3/8" diameter and 1 1/2" tall, uses a standard clamp to mount it, $9.50 ea.
32 uf x 32 uf 500 volt F&T caps, super high quality, $10.50 ea.
50 uf x 50 uf 500 volt F&T German made very high quality caps - $12.50 ea.
100 uf x 100 uf 500 volt JJ, made in the old Czechoslovakia, now the Slovak Republic - $13.50 ea.
Clamps for all the caps above - Great price! Only $2.35 ea., 10/$22.50 (Note - All can caps above are 1 3/8" diameter)
120 uf 500 volt Matsushita/Panasonic, very small cap that's great for use in vintage gear, snap-in type but
can easily be soldered in place. Only 1" diameter and about 1 3/8" tall. $5.75 ea. 1" clamps for these are $2.00 ea.
100 uf 450 volt IC (Illinois) axial caps, 85 C rated, fresh stock, $5.25.
Hard To Find - Only 8 Pieces On Hand! 4700 uf 63 volt Nichicon axial caps, about 2.5" long and 1" in diameter, $7.50 ea.
330 uf 250 volt CDE LQ high ripple, 85 C rated "snap-in" radial electrolytics. About 7/8" diameter and 1 1/4" tall, $2.50 ea.
50x50x50x50 uf 350 volt quad section "FP" twist-lock can type caps; new production, these will replace
many quad section caps, even those with lower uf ratings. 1 3/8" diameter, about 3" tall, $42.50 ea.
40x40x20x20 uf 525 volt quad section "FP" twist-lock can type caps; new production, these will replace
many triple section caps, even those with lower uf ratings. 40 uf is ideal for use with most tube rectifiers, and
the 525 volt rating makes it very versatile. 1 3/8" diameter, about 3" tall, $42.50 ea.
100 uf 350 volt F&T axial caps now in stock! Top quality German made in a useful value and voltage, the right size
to fit in Fender and some other guitar amps. Great for audio preamps too! $8.50 ea., 3 or more $8.00 ea.
33/33 uf 450 volt F&T dual section axial caps now in stock! Top quality German made in a hard to find value and voltage,
compact enought to fit in most gear. $9.50 ea., 3 or more $8.50 ea.
22 uf 350 (400 surge) volt 85 C axial, roughly 1/2" diameter by 1" long, very handy value for vintage gear; good quality
low impedance name brand stuff - but exact brand may vary, $1.65 ea.
22 uf 500 volt F&T axial caps now in stock! Top quality German made cap in a handy value and voltage, about
they fit in a lot of tight spots where Atoms won't. $5.50 ea., 3 or more $5.00 ea.
47 uf 500 volt F&T axial caps now in stock! Top quality German made cap in a handy value and voltage, about
7/8" diameter and about 1 1/2" long so they fit in a lot of spots where Atoms won't. $9.00 ea., 3 or more $8.00 ea.
More cap values & voltages to come in these lines!
Save - these were ordered in error! (10) chassis mount, 8 pin octal ceramic sockets with snap ring
ring retainers. Click here for a picture of these sockets They use a 1 3/16" mounting hole, they're
glazed ceramic with forked contacts. I've seen these elsewhere on the web for as much as $5.95,
take these for $3.25 ea. while they last.
9 Pin Socket Savers, current production, $3.50 ea.
4 pin ceramic chassis mount, "plate type", for 300B, 811, and 2A3, $3.75 ea.
7 pin miniature European made Micalex NOS, top mounts (can be bottom mounted if req'd)
in 5/8" chassis hole on 7/8" centers. $0.75 ea.
9 pin Belton brown Micalex, new production, TOP mounts in a 3/4" hole, with a saddle width
of 1 1/8". $2.50 ea.; 6 or more pieces $2.25 ea.
Belton micalex 9 pin sockets! These brown bottom mount sockets use wrap around contacts and my favorite micalex material.
With the last of the Cinch sockets gone, these are now the socket of choice for Citation amps as well as other applications
where you need a socket for a 3/4" hole and 1" mounting centers. Caution! These sockets really grip firmly, so be very
careful when you first install your tubes in them! $3.75 ea., 6 or more $3.50 ea.
Now a regular stock item - Octal sockets for Citation gear in the hard to source 1" opening and 1.313" saddle size. These
are bottom mount black plastic body sockets with tinned full-wrap
contacts and the required 4 ground tabs on the mounting bracket
Citations require. They fit Citation gear exactly. These are very good quality sockets, and will do a fine job in a Citation amp or
wherever you need a small footprint octal socket. $4.50 ea., 4 or more $4.25 each.
DN2540N5 400 volt depletion mode N-channel MOSFETs. TO-220 cases, not easy to buy in small quantities.
I have good stock on hand, $2.50 ea. They are used in a terrific quality CCS, here's a link to a schematic:
Just scroll down until you see the schematic. Want a whole kit of parts to build the CCS? Just $19.75 ea.
You can spend a lot more on high performance diodes like "FREXHEDS" or ??, but I'm not sure you can do better!
Read this from a recent customer: "I just installed them... OMG!!! I can't believe how much of a difference. It
made a more dramatic change than changing the tubes from sovteks to teslas and changing out all the caps
in the signal path... It removed background hiss, the music seems more dynamic AND warm as well now. For
an upgrade costing about $7 (including solder and flux)." Randall B., Worcester MA.
Vishay UF4007 1 amp 1000 volt ultra fast recovery diodes in DO-41 case, $0.30 ea.
Vishay UF5408, 1000 volt PRV rated 3 amp ultra fast recovery diodes. DO-201 case, $0.50 ea.
Fairchild 5 amp 40 volt Schottky diodes, easy to work with DO-201AD case, great for DC heater setups and such.
The low voltage drop and lack of noise is a big help in your designs! Just $0.50 each, 10 for $4.50.
Speaker terminal strips, 4 screw terminals with solder eyelets on the inside, about 2 1/2"x 5/8", lighter color but
otherwise identical to the strips used on H-K Citation and a million other vintage amps/receivers. $7.75/pair
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Hookup wire for Citation and other tube gear! 20 & 22 ga. mil-spec Teflon insulated 600 volt silver plated fine stranded and solid
copper; the right gauges for replacing original wiring. Very high quality!
Stranded Wire (20 ga. only):
Solid color insulation available: Blue, brown, red, black, orange, green, yellow, white, grey, and violet. $0.50/foot.
Striped color insulation available in:, the first color is the main color, the second is the stripe: blue/white, brown/white,
red/white, white/red, $0.75/foot.
Solid Core Wire (20 & 22 ga.):
(20 ga.) Black, brown, blue, green, orange, red, white, yellow, all $0.50/foot.
(22 ga.) Black, blue, green, grey, red, violet, white, orange, yellow, brown, all $0.40/foot.
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Belden Shielded Cable! Belden 88641 Plenum Cable with (2) 24 ga. FEP insulated stranded tinned copper conductors,
100% dual foil shield with drain wire, and an FEP outer jacket. Only 31 pf/foot capacitance, this .106" diameter red cable
is ideal for internal cabling of the Citation power amps and has many other uses. Use one wire as "plus", one as "minus", and
the shield does not have to carry the ground current - you can ground the shield wherever you like. Grounding the shield at
one end only can help prevent ground loops.
This cable is relatively flexible, but as with all Teflon or Teflon like insulation it won't make sharp bends real easily. Get full specs here:
Belden Specification Sheet (.pdf)
Sorry about the price increase, I've fully depleted my really inexpensive old stock! Now $5.25 per foot, 10 feet or moremore feet for $4.95/foot.
Reproduction face/bottom plates for the Citation II - - 2 or 3 blems remain in stock, the rest
of the 100 pieces run were scrapped. Only 45 usable pieces were made and they were virtually all
pre-ordered. If you want a blem, I can send them to you for $32.50 plus shipping, a new set of feet
adds $6.50 to the tab. These are a HUGE improvement over most original plates, the lettering is fine,
the problems are minor. I know you'll be pleased! Sorry! Sold Out... but watch the site for updates!
Reproduction knobs for the Citation preamps/tuners! Identical looking to the stock
aluminum knobs used on all but the earliest Citation Is, they also fit Cit III, III-X and (as a set) Cit IV!
Machined out of a solid aluminum billet, they look and feel great. The inside bore is not broached like
stock, so you can drill them and use a set screw if you need to use them on a replacement pot. Easy to
install, and a long time coming!
There are 3 sizes: the smallest size was used on the 4 bass and treble controls, and the balance control. A larger
size was used on the other 6 switch type controls, and a single large knob was used on the volume control
(these last two sizes are also used on the Citation tuners).
When these are gone that's it! Here's the pricing and current stock:
The small tone control/balance pot size knobs - $13.75 ea., (9) in stock
The mid sized knobs for the switches - $15.75 ea., (43) in stock
The large volume (or tuning) knob - $19.50 ea., (12) in stock plus (2) slightly imperfect but still nice for $12.50 ea.
Note - A complete knob set for a Cit I includes (5) small, (6) medium, and (1) large.
5 Kohm replacement for the AC balance pots - the shaft is slightly longer than the original. 2 watt rated RV4 series
mil-spec pot, $19.50 ea. Important note ! Early production amps used a pot that was held in place by two tabs through
the amp chassis, no bushing at all. These pots can be fit to those amps if needed.
Cathode resistors for Cit II- use your stock bias meter, and reduce the current to sane levels! Sets of four 2 watt
resistors are $1.50 per set. Available in 18, 20, and 22 ohms. See the Citation Modifications Page for more information.
Resistor kits for Citation II and V - I have all the resistors for these amps in stock, and I can supply complete
replacement kits. I use a variety of very high quality brands and construction types in the kits that I've found to sound the
best without breaking the bank! Citation II kits are $164.50, Cit V kits are $114.95. If you only need a few values (not
a complete kit) just drop me a note - I can help!
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Chassis rewiring kit for Citation II amps! Finally - an easy way to get all the wire colors you want in the lengths
you need. This kit has all the insulated wire called for by the original assembly instructions (including the shielded cable),
and allows you to create your own new wire harness. All the wiring is 20 ga. mil-spec Teflon insulated 600 volt rated
(the same wire as above). The kit includes 16 nylon cable ties, new shielded cable, and new grommets. It an excellent
value for just $64.50.
Another Probem Solver! - Replacement rubber grommets for the Citations - where the harness pases through
the power supply bracket. Use the large for a Cit V and a duo (1 large and 1 small) for a Cit II. They fit right,
no more kludge-ing or rock hard old rubber!! Just $0.35 ea.
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16 ohm 25 watt load resistors for setting AC balance on Cit II and V - $2.75 ea.
New! Replacement brass screws for the 9 pin sockets! Get rid of those ugly corroded screws, and replace them with new
pieces that match the originals very nicely. For a few minutes work it'll make a big difference in appearance! $0.10 ea.,
or a set of 12 screws (enough for one Citation II) for $1.00 (add $1.00 for close-clearance nuts)! Note: tighten them
carefully with a proper size screwdriver!
Lamps (bulbs) for Citation gear - #1815 for Citation I - $3.00; #1847 for Cit IV - $1.50; #44 for Citation tuners - $1.25 ea.
Replacement AC "convenience" outlets! Kulka made black plastic with UL logo in the center, virtually identical to
the stock piece. Even if you don't use the outlet, it's nice to have one that isn't busted up! Similar 2 prong receptacles
outlets were used on a jillion vintage units, so it might fit other gear too. $2.25 ea. Note - these are out of stock, I'm
looking for a proper part to replace them. Watch for updates.
Chassis feet for the Citation amps - these fit all Citation mps, and are slightly taller than stock. These allow the chassis
to breathe a bit easier which is a good idea on hot running gear. They are rubber with metal sleeve inserts, and
are easy to install. They're shipped with new hardware, $7.50 for a set of four.
Replacement knobs for the Citation II selector switch. These are black and use an allen head set screw to
hold them on, but they are close to stock looking. If you need a new knob, this is the best solution out there at
present. $2.50 ea.
Resistor set for socket replacement, includes (4) cathode and (4) screen resistors to replace the ones on the old sockets.
They always get damaged when replacing Citation II sockets, $5.00/set
Just In - Snap-on tube shields! These snap-on types are very scarce! They fit Citation (and other 9 pin sockets), $9.75 ea.
I have 30+ pieces of good used stock on hand as of 7/13.
Excellent quality gold plated RCA females that fit in the stock mounting plates! Just round out the hole in the stock
mounting plates and you can replace those tired steel originals with fine quality items. They look stock (other than
the plating) once in place, and fit nicely in the chassis as well. One red, one black, due to copper prices rising the price
increased a bit, now $8.75/set.
Need parts for your Citation IV? I have two parts units on hand. There are no transformers or faceplates,
but there are lots of usable items - switches, pots, etc. Drop me a note if you need anything!
2. I'll reply ASAP with the details, and send you an invoice via email.
3. You pay directly from the invoice.
4. Upon confirmation of payment your order will ship promptly with very few exceptions (see below)!
Note: I can only ship to the address on your PayPal or credit card account. To ship elsewhere you
will need to pay via cash, check, or money order.
For Other Orders:
For USA orders just drop me a check (personal is fine) or money order - whatever is easy for you - for the
total amount due and I ship promptly via USPS Priority Mail upon receipt.
International shipments are no problem! Contact me regarding details and shipping charges. Purchasers outside
the USA must make payment in US dollars. Checks must be payable by US banks.
Note! Regardless of how you pay, it's best to e-mail and confirm availability first: jimmcshane@mcshanedesign.net
International shipments are no problem! Contact me regarding details and shipping charges. Purchasers
outside the USA must make payment in US dollars.
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